Indian Gray Hornbill Bird Details
Ocyceros birostris
Indian Gray Hornbill,Gray Hornbill;
Bhoore Harnabil
Giovanni Antonio Scopoli ,1786
Bucerotiformes (HOOPOES and HORNBILLS)
Bucerotidae
Ocyceros
India (Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan), Nepal, Bangladesh, and Myanmar
Appearance :
The Indian Gray Hornbill has a predominantly gray body with a distinctive long, curved bill that is yellowish at the base and black towards the tip. The eyes are bright red, and there are white patches on the wings and tail.
Behaviour :
Indian Gray Hornbills are typically seen in pairs or small family groups. During the breeding season, females enter a tree cavity to lay eggs, while males seal the entrance with mud and other materials, leaving only a small slit for feeding.
Habitat :
They inhabit a variety of forest types, including deciduous forests, scrublands, and open woodlands.
Diet :
Indian Gray Hornbills are omnivorous, feeding on fruits, berries, insects, and small vertebrates. They are particularly fond of figs and can consume a large variety of fruit.
Conservation Status :
Least Concern
Distribution :
The Indian Gray Hornbill is found across parts of India, Nepal, and Bangladesh.
Population Size :
Precise population estimates are difficult to ascertain.
Life Span :
In the wild, Indian Gray Hornbills can live up to 20 years
Body And Tarsus:
- Body: The Indian Gray Hornbill has a robust body with a slightly curved bill. The plumage is predominantly gray, providing a camouflage effect in their natural habitat.
- Tarsus Length: Approximately 4.5 to 5 cm (1.8 to 2 inches).
Head And Bill :
- Head: The head is relatively large with a distinctively curved bill, characteristic of hornbills.
- Eyes: Bright red, which contrasts sharply with the gray plumage.
- Bill: The bill is long and curved, making it a prominent feature of the bird.
- Bill Length: Approximately 20-25 cm (7.9-9.8 inches).
Length :
About 65-75 cm (25.6-29.5 inches).
Neck :
The neck is short and blends into the robust body.
Size :
A medium-sized hornbill with a stout body
Tail Details :
- Tail: The tail is long and pointed, adding to the bird's overall length.
- Tail Length: Approximately 25-30 cm (9.8-11.8 inches).
- Feathers: The feathers are mostly gray with some white markings on the wings and tail, providing a subtle contrast.
Weight :
Ranges from 1.2 to 1.5 kg (2.6 to 3.3 lbs).
Wing :
The wings are broad and rounded, suited for strong flapping flight and maneuverability.
Wing Span :
Approximately 1.2 to 1.4 meters (3.9 to 4.6 feet).
Facial Feature :
The Indian Gray Hornbill has a distinctively curved bill with a prominent casque (the horn-like structure on top of the bill), giving it a unique facial appearance.
Nest Details :
- Nest: Indian Gray Hornbills nest in tree cavities, often created by woodpeckers or naturally occurring hollows.
- Nest Made Up Of: The nest is often lined with dry leaves and other plant materials. The female seals the entrance with mud and droppings after entering to incubate the eggs.
Breeding Season :
Typically occurs during the monsoon season, from May to August.
Nesting Season :
The nesting season coincides with the breeding period.
Egg Color :
The eggs are usually white or pale cream.
Egg Length :
Approximately 3.5 to 4.5 cm (1.4 to 1.8 inches).
Egg Width and Weight :
- Egg Width: About 2.5 to 3.5 cm (1.0 to 1.4 inches).
- Egg Weight: Approximately 15-20 grams (0.5 to 0.7 ounces) per egg
Clutch Size :
Usually ranges from 2 to 4 eggs per clutch.
No. of Broods :
Indian Gray Hornbills typically raise one brood per breeding season.
Incubation Period :
About 28 to 30 days.
Nestling Period :
Young hornbills typically fledge after about 45 to 60 days post-hatching.
Vocalization :
They are known for their loud, varied calls, which include honks and croaks, used for communication among pairs and within family groups.
Sex Demorphism :
There is minimal sexual dimorphism, but males typically have a larger bill than females.
Migration Details :
Indian Gray Hornbills are generally non-migratory; however, they may make short-distance movements based on food availability.